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A recent study conducted in Taiwan concluded that a mere 15 minutes per day of moderate-intensity exercise can add up to three years to your lifespan.

Some experts recommend that 30 minutes of exercise per day is necessary for good health, but you may be able to reap many benefits from only half that amount. This may make it easier for more people to stick with as a lifestyle.

Moderate intensity exercise, like brisk walking or light jogging, will have advantages for nearly everyone. Chi Pang Wen, from Taiwan’s National Health Research Institute says, "It's for men, women, the young and old, smokers, healthy and unhealthy people. Doctors, when they see any type of patient, this is a one-size-fits-all type of advice."

This large study, which involved more than 400,000 people and lasted approximately 13 years, carefully collected and analyzed data related to general health and physical activity of the participants.

When comparing those who found the time to squeeze in only 15 minutes a day of exercise, they noted that these people lived, on average, three years longer than those who never got off of the couch.

With these enormous benefits—given the small effort that needs to be put forth, finding the time may save your life! In addition to living longer, those active participants in the study developed fewer cases of cancer as well.

Previous studies have shown the importance of exercise, but this is the first study to clearly quantify the minimum requirements for positive effects.

Says Wen, "None of the other papers were able to conclude... what specific amount of exercise would be enough. Ours is the first one to say that 15 minutes would be enough. We hope this will make it more attractive for inactive people, that they can allocate 15 minutes a day, rather than 30, which is more difficult."

Ideally, this research will motivate those who are sedentary to get up and moving, and help them reap the benefits—ranging from overall better health, to less cancer risk, to living longer.

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